Ingrid Winkler grew up in Germany and from an early age had a great love of drawing. She had a successful fifteen-year career in the architectural field before she devoted more time to her family, during which time, she also took art courses in watercolour and life drawing.

Her most inspiring teacher and mentor, the well-known German artist, A.L.N. Mondry, taught her to see the important things in her subjects, to not be overly concerned with detail and realism, and to work freely with colour, form and materials. Most importantly, she learned how to create spontaneously, all of which seemed to comply with her innate nature.

Waterbased paint is her favourite medium. It allows her to work with different kinds of paper, canvas, and a variety of painting implements - brushes, spatulas, wine corks, bamboo sticks - even her fingers!

In 1993, she and her family immigrated to Canada. Since her arrival here she has been able to spend more time in her studio in Summerland, where she lives. She has exhibited her art throughout B.C.

“The outlines and the colours, as well as the barrenness and abundance of the Okanagan Valley are recurrent themes in my paintings. The images represent very personal experiences in my everyday life - I paint what I know, not just what I see. By using different types of materials and techniques and a process of simplification I hope to capture its essence and its ever-changing facets.”